Cactus could be tainted with pesticide

STOCKTON - State health officials warned people not to eat imported cactus sold earlier this month from certain wholesalers and retailers, including one Stockton market.

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By The Record

recordnet.com

By The Record

Posted Feb. 18, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By The Record

Posted Feb. 18, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

STOCKTON - State health officials warned people not to eat imported cactus sold earlier this month from certain wholesalers and retailers, including one Stockton market.

The cactus imported from Mexico could be tainted with Monocrotophos, a pesticide that is banned for use in the United States and can cause permanent nerve damage if consumed, according to an announcement Sunday from the California Department of Public Health.

Washing or peeling the cactus and boiling it can remove some of the pesticide, but health officials are warning against this, recommending instead that people throw it away or return it to the place where they bought it.

One of the locations the contaminated cactus was available for sale is La Superior SuperMercado, which has outlets in Stockton, Sacramento, Woodland and Pittsburg. The Stockton market is on Waterloo Road. It was on sale between Feb. 6 and Feb. 12.

The contaminated cactus was also sold from locations in Concord and Los Angeles.

The pesticide Monocrotophos was discovered in a sample tested through routine surveillance of the state Department of Pesticide and Regulation. The chemical has been banned in the country since 1989.

Symptoms of acute poisoning might include sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. There had been no cases of illnesses reported as of Monday, according to officials.

Cases of the cactus sold by wholesalers were likely labeled with a sticker reading: "Comercializadora De Chiles, Selectos Nieto S. De R.L. De C.V." The retail cactus were unlabeled and sold in bulk bins.

The state agencies are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to identify the growers and importers connected to the contaminated cactus.

Health officials recommend those who feel ill after eating the cactus to call their health care provider. Consumers who see the contaminated cactus for sale can report it by calling (800) 495-3232.